What credit crunch? Football clubs set to go on defying the downturn June 3, 2009 LUCRATIVE broadcast deals have fuelled huge revenue increases in the Premier League as football continues to prove resistant to the economic downturn, according to a report published today. Total revenue for the 20 top flight clubs rose 26 per cent to £1.9bn for the 2007-08 season. That figure is expected to reach £2bn for the [...]
Chelsea deny record 74m Kaka swoop June 3, 2009 AC MILAN superstar Kaka will announce his future on Monday, the Italian club said last night, as Chelsea denied trying to gazump Real Madrid with a world record £74m bid. Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said he would discuss Kaka’s future with him after the weekend, although the Brazilian is thought to be close to a [...]
Unhappy Carvalho ready to ditch Blues June 3, 2009 CHELSEA defender Ricardo Carvalho has opened the door to a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho by admitting he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge. The Portugal centre-back, 31, said he had endured the worst year of his life last season, making just four league starts since the turn of the year due to injury [...]
Tevez and Eto’o on wish-list for Hughes’ City revolution June 3, 2009 MARK HUGHES has confirmed he is targeting striker Carlos Tevez to join his Manchester City revolution. Hughes beat off competition from several high-profile rivals to land England midfielder Gareth Barry in a £12m deal on Tuesday. Now he is looking to press on with his pursuit of Tevez, who has come to the end of [...]
Bruce hopes to silence doubters June 3, 2009 FOOTBALL: Tynesider Steve Bruce says he hopes to win over his Wearside doubters after finally being confirmed as Sunderland manager yesterday. Bruce, a lifelong Newcastle fan, received a mixed welcome at the club after the Black Cats agreed a £3m compensation package with Wigan. Bruce said: “It’s results on the pitch that matter. I hope [...]
England slaughter West Indies June 3, 2009 CRICKET: Opener Luke Wright hit an unbeaten 75 in a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies as England ended their World Twenty20 preparations on a high. Wright, who hit three consecutive sixes, shared 119 in 12 overs with Ravi Bopara, as England reached their target of 145 with 32 balls to spare at Lord’s. Bopara [...]
Haye pulls out of Klitschko bout June 3, 2009 BOXING: David Haye’s lucrative world heavyweight title showdown with Wladimir Klitschko in a fortnight’s time has been sensationally called off after the Londoner suffered a mysterious injury at his Cypriot training camp. The pair were due to meet at the 60,000 Veltins Arena in Germany on 20 June, before Haye’s sudden withdrawal. “I’m speechless,” Klitschko [...]
Sariska heads Oaks field June 3, 2009 RACING: Ante-post favourite Sariska heads a field of 10 runners for the Oaks at Epsom tomorrow. Michael Bell’s filly heads the betting for the Classic following an impressive display in the Musidora Stakes at York and goes head-to-head with defending champion Rainbow View, who is looking to improve on his fifth place in the 1,000 [...]
Lions restore pride with 10-try romp June 3, 2009 GOLDEN LIONS (10) vs. BRITISH LIONS (74) BRITISH and Irish Lions assistant coach Warren Gatland toasted a morale-boosting triumph after they ran in 10 tries in a ruthless drubbing of Golden Lions in Johannesburg. England wing Ugo Monye, Wales centre Jamie Roberts and Ireland wing Tommy Bowe scored two tries each, while stand-in captain Brian O’Driscoll, [...]
Federer closing in on first French title June 3, 2009 WORLD No2 Roger Federer swept into his 20th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final with a blistering demolition of home favourite Gael Monfils in the French Open. The Swiss master, 27, was forced to save a set point in an opening set tie-break before fighting back to clinch a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 6-4 victory over the fancied [...]